Scarlett Johansson on saying goodbye to Black Widow: 'It's always better to leave a situation when you're on top'

Black Widow is set for a July 9 release—a full month away—but Scarlett Johnasson is already preparing to say goodbye to the character she has played since 2010.

The two-time Oscar nominee spilled to Total Film about how and why she's parting with Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow and the Marvel Cinematic Universe:

"It's definitely bittersweet because I love my Marvel family. I'm never going to be ready to not be a part of it. They'll always be family. I'll never feel ready to not be in it, because I hate to feel like I’m missing out on stuff with them. And who knows? Maybe at some point, we'll have some opportunity to collaborate in some other kind of way.

"It was certainly wonderful to be able to produce this with them because I got to really know the process, and know them in a whole other intimate way. It was very exciting. At the same time, I really feel good about moving on from this chapter. I feel incredibly proud of this film. It's so strong. It turned out so beautifully. It has so much love in it. Everything in it has intention and purpose. And, you know, I will always love Natasha. I've loved to play her, and I feel that she stands alone in this universe in a way that I feel really good about.

"In every way, and certainly as an actor, it's always better to leave a situation when you’re on top. And to feel good about something. It's great. And I feel on top with this. I really do. I'm really proud of it."

Johansson debuted as Natasha in Iron Man 2 (2010), and she has continued her portrayal through seven films: The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Black Widow (2021).

Black Widow will explore Black Widow's whereabouts between Civil War and Infinity War. The film was directed by Cate Shortland and also stars David Harbour, Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz.

The original release date was slated for May 2020, but once July 9 finally hits, fans will be able to go see Black Widow in theaters or stream it on Disney Plus with Premier Access.